What I’m reading, in actual print: A wonderful new memoir called WITH OR WITHOUT YOU, by Domenica Ruta. Reviewers have compared this book to one of my absolute, all-time favorites, THE GLASS CASTLE, by Jeanette Walls, and while I don’t always agree with critics (especially when they’re talking about one of my books ), I’m onboard this time. I’m about halfway through Ruta’s account of her truly chaotic and endlessly intriguing childhood, and I wouldn’t have put it down at all if my eyes hadn’t been crossing from fatigue.

Since I’m rarely into just one book at any given time, I’m also reading STORY ENGINEERING, by Larry Brooks. As you might guess, this one is about writing, and how to do it well–or better. (As stated previously, I believe in keeping a Beginner’s Mind. I’ve written well over a hundred books, but there is still a lot to learn.) Some of you are aspiring writers yourselves, and I can certainly recommend this one, along with the Red Sneakers Series by William Bernhardt. These are short volumes (also available in audio), and contain excellent information on basics like Structure, Plot, Characterization, etc. I listened to them on my iPod first, over the weekend, and I was so impressed I ordered print copies so I could refer back to specific parts. Good stuff!

What I’m listening to now: ATONEMENT, by Ian McEwan. Bernhardt (Red Sneakers guy and very accomplished author in his own right) recommended this complex novel as a great example of good plotting with an incredible ending, so I downloaded it (check out Audible.com–the first download is FREE for new members) and am listening to it mostly in the evenings. So far, I’m loving this book–it reminds me a little of “Downton Abbey”, since it’s set in pre-WW 1, in the English countryside, at least in the beginning. As for the big finale, well, I haven’t gotten there yet, obviously. I’ll tell you what I think, though–without spoiling the wallop for those who want to read it themselves, of course.

I listened to BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP, by S. J. Watson, also over the weekend–it’s a fascinating suspense story, very British, about a woman who’s lost her memory and, except for hastily scribbled notes in her journal, penned during brief lucid periods, she’d have no idea who she is, where she is, or what’s going on. Given that somebody is trying to kill her, that’s definitely a problem. (I hate it when that happens.) Thumbs up on this one, if you enjoy psychological thrillers, as I do. (I did have an inkling of what was going on in the story, but I still had to know for sure!)

Next-to-lastly, I’ve been listening to bits and pieces of an ambitious and slightly weird book called PARALLEL UNIVERSES OF THE SELF, author, Frederick Dotson. It’s a lot to digest, and some of it (okay, a lot of it) is pretty far out, but it is also riveting–the premise, not that it can be summed up in the few words I’m about to offer, is that there may be an infinite number of ‘you’s’ and ‘me’s’, living different lives simultaneously. Again, I am impressed enough with this one that I’ve ordered a hard copy for future reference–both because it’s so interesting and because I hope to write a novel about parallel lives at some point in the (probably distant) future.

Lastly, I read from THE COURSE IN MIRACLES nearly every morning–the moment I open my eyes, I think, “Yipee–time to light my candles and delve into the Course!” I missed it on Sunday, since I slept in really late, for me–awake listening to an audiobook much of the night before.

I’m quite excited about my own work in progress, too. THE MARRIAGE CHARM is really coming together, and I’m always eager to click open the document and start following my characters around. They are an active bunch, full of surprises, even for me.

I’m headed for Boonsboro (spelled correctly, Marylanders?) to sign books this coming Saturday, July 19, with Nora Roberts and an exciting bunch of other writers at Nora’s store, Turn the Page. This is going to be so much fun! Plus, that area of the country is breathtakingly beautiful.

In conclusion, I’m receiving regular video clips of little Gibson Grady Drew, via email and my cell phone, and he’s bigger and stronger every single time his mommy, my niece Angie, sends me an update. What a blessing he is! Thank heaven for little boys.

37 comments to “Part 2 or until the glitch, whichever comes first”

Hope you share pictures, I love baby pictures and I sure most everyone does. Can`t wait for your next book, I love your books so much.
Just ordered the mystery book from library, have read several of the books you have mentioned in your blogs and I have enjoyed them

I do not agree with critics either – over the years I have read books I loved but were given not so great reviews. It’s also the same with movies. I could never get into audio books – I find my mind wonders & I do not hear anything. I love a book in my hands. Keep writing!!

So your new book “The Marriage Charm” can we expect the Silversmith to create a charm for a bracelet? That would be exciting. Excited about the new book already! Have a safe and enjoyable trip to Maryland.

You are very busy reading or listening to various books. My friends laugh at me because I am usually reading a couple of books at a time. I wish I could come and see you in Maryland but I do not drive. I live in NYC so I do mot need a car. Someday I hope you meet you. Have a wondetful and safe trip.

I’m glad the baby is improving daily, It just dawned on me that my maternal granddaddy’s name was Grady. Then, I couldn’t remember his middle name, and all I could think of was Henry. So I just now looked in Mama’s Bible and it was Henry Grady.

I read different things at the same time…according to what room I’m in, or where I’m at when I’m out and about, but if I read as many different things as you do and about such varid subjects, I’d be as loony as, well…I guess, a loon.

I just finished a book by Debbie Macomber. There are 2 books in one and it is her Cedar Cove series. The one I really liked of the two was a Cedar Cove Christmas with the three Wyse men, and MARY Jo giving birth. It was funny, sad, and happy, all in one.

So glad to here the baby is doing so well. You can’t help but love little boys. There is a little boy across the street from me and his mother can’t keep clothes on him. He is between two and three just guessing but every time you look outside he is running around neked as a jaybird as the old saying goes. He is a little white headed fellow that is always waving and saying hi. Cute as he can be, just neked most of the time.

Sounds like u have been very busy. Glad to hear about the little one. Thanks for the info on the two books for wannabe writers. That is my kids dream so I plan to get them. He was very interested when I read what u said about them. Also going to check out the parallel inverse book (very Fringe and X-files) Definitely want to read the thriller. Reminds me a little of the movie Momento. Different but some basic similarities. The movie was twisted and suspenseful. Hope everyone has a great day.

First of all I want to congratulate Sue Norhauser and Gwenda Underwood on their win the Internet at the nursing home wasn’t working yesterday.
Linda, I love in the bible where it talks about how God created the world. I also love reading Psalms and Proverb, such great writing. The more you read the bible, each time you learn new things. Linda,, “The Marriage Charm ” sounds so fascinating. Have fun at the books signing, with Nora Roberts and others.
God’s blessings to all.
As alway you’re friend,
Norma

Your one busy lady, love to visit with Nora Roberts at her B@B since I just finished reading her books Dark WitchPretty and shadow Spelling, thank heavens I was off work for I read them obth late in the early morning, couldn’t put them down, have to wait for book 3! Have fun with her! Glad your book is coming along! Pretty soon classes will be starting so I won’t have too much time to read for pleasure. Have a wonderful week and weekend!

I totally understand complicated books to get thru, I’ve been reading Sun Tzu for awhile along with whatever is the most current release. I’m rereading the In Death series as well as well as other authors that I keep up with when something new comes out, yourself included. Hope you have a great week.

Whew, I don’t know how you manage so many different books so fast! I know you do a lot of audio but still!!! You amaze me.
Have a wonderful visit back to the book signing, I love Nora Roberts books too. Glad to hear little Gibson is doing so well.
Blessings to you both, safe travels.

Dear Linda, I am so disappointed that I won’t be able to go to the book signing on 7-19-14. My son is getting married. (which by the way I am so excited!) I have been to Nora’s bookstore twice before and if not for the wedding I would have gone since you and Nora Roberts are my favorite authors. Hopefully there will be another time. Take care. Donna

I have a book in my bedroom, one in the car and one in the living room all going at once. Worked quite a while getting a Bible Study I teach getting it on to the computer. Makes it easier. Just finished a Catherine Anderson book. Had not read anything of hers for a while. Have a wonderful time in Maryland. We are going to Everett this weekend to be with our girls. Take care and travel safe.

I am glad your grand nephew is growing day by day. It is always good to continue with your education. You are visiting another one of my favorite authors. Yes you are a favorite as well. Have fun. I wish I could be there.

I love the book in my hands, although I enjoy the Kindle when I am traveling. Speaking of that, enjoy your trip to Maryland and the Turn the Page extravaganza with Nora Roberts! Wow! And with so many other talented authors too, what a treat that would be to see all of you. Enjoy your weekend.

I wanted to thank everyone for the prayers for my daughter-in-law
she came out of bypass and biopsy really good, they took the tubes out and they are giving her ice chips and cubes of jello. Your prayers were greatly appreciate. God’s blessings.
As always your friend,
Norma